"Yay, a sub!"

When students see a substitute, they typically become excited (this post refers primarily to middle school students). As they enter the room, many students ask, "You're a sub?" and express their delight vocally once they receive an affirmative answer.

It is interesting, because their enthusiasm really has nothing to do with me. They believe that a sub means a free day. Although the students can usually expect a little more freedom than usual (I may not know all of the rules, or be able to call on them by name), they will still be required to complete schoolwork. In this, their excitement is usually premature and excessive.

Some students also become so overly excited that I feel slightly bad for their teachers. To hear them celebrate, you may believe that they seriously dislike their teachers. In reality, they are generally just excited about a possible "free day".